AI Stethoscope Detects Heart Problems in Just 15 Seconds, UK Trial Shows

UK doctors have tested a new AI stethoscope that can detect major heart problems in only 15 seconds. The tool was trialed in more than 200 clinics across the UK.

It was used on over 1.5 million patients who had heart-related symptoms like fatigue or breathlessness. Doctors say it spots issues that normal stethoscopes miss.

AI Tool Outperforms Standard Heart Checks

The AI stethoscope looks for small changes in heartbeat and blood flow. These signals are often too subtle for the human ear. The goal is to help doctors find serious heart problems faster.

According to British Heart Foundation, which backed the study, this could be a game changer. Patients using the AI stethoscope were:

Twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure

3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation

Nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart valve disease

This early detection can help prevent serious complications like stroke or sudden heart failure. It’s a step forward in modernizing a device that was invented more than 200 years ago.

Some GPs Dropped the AI Device After One Year

The trial also revealed one issue. About 70% of general practitioners stopped using the AI stethoscope regularly after a year.

One reason was its sensitivity. Nearly two-thirds of those flagged for heart failure didn’t actually have it. This led to extra blood tests and scans.

Researchers admit it could cause unnecessary worry for some patients. So, they suggest using it only for those who already have signs of heart trouble.

Despite this, experts at Imperial College London believe the tool still has value. They say early diagnosis can save lives by allowing faster treatment.

A quick knowledge drop for you-

Q1: What does the AI stethoscope detect?

It detects heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and heart valve disease in 15 seconds.

Q2: Who developed the AI stethoscope?

It was developed by Eko Health, a health tech company based in California.

Q3: Why did some doctors stop using it?

Many stopped because it flagged too many false positives, leading to extra tests.

Q4: How accurate is the AI tool?

It’s more sensitive than standard care, but not always accurate. About 2 in 3 alerts for heart failure were incorrect.

Q5: Where were the results presented?

Researchers shared the results at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Madrid.